GB2616867A

GB2616867A - Macroalgae cultivation

Info

Publication number: GB2616867A
Application number: GB2204010.9A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Alan Crookes Waveney
Original assignee: Seagrown Ltd
Current assignee: Seagrown Ltd
Priority date: 2022-03-22
Filing date: 2022-03-22
Publication date: 2023-09-27
Also published as: WO2023180737A1; GB202204010D0

Abstract

An apparatus 200 for cultivating macroalgae is disclosed. The apparatus comprises: a first elongate member 202; at least one spacer element 206 extending from the first elongate member to a second elongate member 204 such that the first and second elongate members are maintained spaced apart; a plurality of line segments 208 configured to provide a growth surface for macroalgae, wherein the line segments extend between the first elongate member and second elongate member. The apparatus may further comprise one or more locking bars (520 figure 5) wherein the one or more locking bars is configured to be affixed to the first elongate member such that the line is sandwiched between the first elongate member and at least one locking bar

Description

MACROALGAE CULTIVATION

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to macroalgae cultivation. Aspects of the invention relate to an apparatus, system and farm for macroalgae cultivation. In particular, but not exclusively, the present application relates to an apparatus, system and farm for macroalgae cultivation suitable for use in offshore waters which may experience calm or rough sea conditions, or restricted areas (such as coral reefs) where accurate positioning of the equipment is essential.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Macroalgae ( seaweed) can be used for a variety of purposes, such as food items, flavourings etc. Extracts are also commonly utilised in cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and pet food. Macroalgae may also be used in textiles, biodegradable packaging, water capsules and more. In order to meet these purposes macroalgae must be farmed in large quantifies.

Typically, the macroalgae utilised for farming include the seaweed taxa Eucheuma spp., Kappaphycus alvarezii, Gracilaria spp., Saccharina japonica, Undaria pinnatifida, Pyropia spp., Laminaria Digitata., Laminaria Saccharina., Alaria Esculenta and Sargassum fusiforme.

[0003] Typically, known methods of growing macroalgae require calmer waters and for this reason near-shore locations in certain parts of the coast are more favourable.

[0004] An example of a typical macroalgae farm 100 is illustrated in Figure 1, where the area is defined by 110. Macroalgae farms are created by submerging cultivation ropes 102 in the sea. These ropes 102 typically extend around 100m from end to end. The ropes 102 are anchored to the seabed at each end to maintain the positioning of the ropes. Normally, anchors 104, 106 at each end of the rope 102 are used.

[0005] To provide a growth surface for the macroalgae, the ropes 102 have smaller diameter fibers wrapped around them. The fibres are impregnated with macroalgae, such as microscopic macroalgae seeds. During use, the rope 102 is spooled out from a laying vessel 108 (for example a boat) into the sea. While the rope 102 is spooled out, the fibres containing macroalgae are wrapped around the rope 102. In other words, the fibres are added to the cultivation ropes 102 during the laying process. This can be time consuming and may require careful positioning of the laying vessel. The process is repeated for each length of rope 102a-d across the area of sea 110 such that a farm 100 is formed of multiple ropes 102a-d which are substantially parallel or in series to one another. Typically, the ropes 102 are separated by a distance of a few metres. As a result, areas of water which are highly kinetic can cause the ropes 102a to tangle with the adjacent ropes 102b. This can damage the growing macroalgae and in some cases the ropes 102 themselves. Macroalgae farms are therefore typically confined to the coastal areas or sheltered inlets with calmer waters. Furthermore, the seaweed farm requires a large area of water to lay the lines.

[0006] Looking to offshore areas, in addition to the more kinetic water movements additional factors need to be accounted for. Typically, the cultivating ropes should be in line with the fide. That is the extension of the rope lies parallel with the direction of the tide. However, this is commonly not in line with the prevailing wind direction. Particularly when bringing in the ropes the vessel retrieving the lines must consider the tides, prevailing winds and wave movements to avoid tangling with adjacent lines.

[0007] It is an aim of certain examples of the present invention to solve, mitigate or obviate, at least partly, at least one of the problems and/or disadvantages associated with the prior art.

[0008] It is an aim of the present invention to provide an apparatus, system and overall farm for cultivating macroalgae which is easier to deploy and retrieve during use.

[0009] It is an aim of the present invention to provide a cultivation apparatus and system which is suited to farmers requiring a turnkey solution whereby all the required elements for seaweed farming are provided in a modular unit.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0010] According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided an apparatus for the cultivation of macroalgae comprising a first elongate member; at least one spacer element extending from the first elongate member to a second elongate member such that the first and second elongate members are maintained spaced apart; a plurality of line segments configured to provide a growth surface for macro algae, wherein the line segments extend between the first elongate member and second elongate member. Advantageously, this aspect of the invention allows for easier deployment and retrieval compared to known macroalgae farming apparatus.

[0011] This apparatus provides a structure upon which macroalgae can grow which can be modular and may be less affected by external environmental factors.

[0012] Suitably the line sections comprise a line wound around the first and second elongate members.

[0013] Suitably at least one of the first or second elongate members comprise a plurality of cavities, notches, ridges or grooves configured to receive the plurality of line segments. These notches may help the line segments to be advantageously arranged in the structure and their respective positions maintained.

[0014] Suitably the apparatus further comprises one or more locking bars, wherein the one or more locking bars is configured to be affixed to the first elongate member such that the line is sandwiched between the first elongate member and at least one locking bar. The locking bar may help secure the line segments to reduce line movement and or prevent total line loss. In the event of the line breaking it will only run out as far as the next contact with the locking bar, therefore all the rest of the intact line will be saved.

[0015] Suitably the one or more locking bars comprise a resilient strip positioned to contact the line. The resilient strip may reduce wear and or damage to the line segments when being held in place by the locking bar.

[0016] Suitably the apparatus further comprises one or more locking bars configured to be affixed to the second elongate member such that the line is sandwiched between the second elongate member and at least one locking bar.

[0017] Suitably the line is wound at least 5 times such that the apparatus comprises at least 5 line segments.

[0018] Suitably the apparatus further comprises a second spacer element extending from the first elongate member to the second elongate member, wherein the first spacer element and second spacer element are affixed at a first end and second end of each of the elongate members [0019] Suitably the first and second spacer elements are affixed to the elongate members with two or more fixing elements at each of the first and second ends of the elongate members.

[0020] Suitably the apparatus comprises of a plurality of attachment points. These attachment points could for example be loops or eyes which provide attachment points for additional equipment.

[0021] Suitably the line or line segments comprise of at least one rope, cord, fibrous material, or polymer material.

[0022] Suitably the line or line segments are infused with macroalgae.

[0023] According to a second aspect there is provided a system for cultivating macroalgae comprising an apparatus configured to receive a plurality of line segments extending between a first elongate member and a second elongate member, wherein the apparatus comprises at least one spacer element extending from the first elongate member to the second elongate member such that the first and second elongate members are maintained spaced apart. An anchor coupled to the apparatus, and a least one buoyancy element coupled to the apparatus.

[0024] Suitably the anchor and at least one buoyancy element cooperate to maintain the apparatus is at least partially submerged when in use. Suitably the at least one buoyancy element cooperate to further maintain the apparatus in a horizontal plane with respect to a seabed in use. In this way, the macroalgae is maintained in a position with the optimal light conditions for growth.

[0025] Suitably the system further comprises at least one coupler configured to couple the cultivation apparatus, anchor and at least one buoyancy element and facilitate the cooperation between the at least one buoyancy element and anchor.

[0026] According to a third aspect there is provided a macroalgae farm comprising a plurality of the systems interspaced across an area of water.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0027] Examples of the invention are further described hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 illustrates an example macroalgae farm apparatus according to the prior art; Figure 2 illustrates an example apparatus for cultivating macroalgae; Figure 3 illustrates an example elongate member for use in the apparatus of Figure 2; Figure 4 illustrates a plan view of a portion of the apparatus, with an exemplary line winding pattern; Figure 5 illustrates a further example apparatus for cultivating macroalgae including a locking bar; Figure 6 illustrates a yet further example apparatus of the present invention; Figure 7 illustrates an alternative locking bar arrangement to Figure 5; Figure 8 illustrates an example system for cultivating macroalgae; and Figure 9 illustrates am example macroalgae farm.

Like numerals refer to like features.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0028] The present invention relates to a cultivation apparatus, system and farm for macroalgae. It should be apricated however, that the present disclosure may have additional applications for other marine plant species. Additionally, it is envisaged the present disclosure could additionally be suitable for marine animal farming such as molluscs, crustaceans or fish.

[0029] Looking to figure 2 an example cultivation apparatus 200 is illustrated. In this example, the cultivation apparatus 200 includes a first and second elongate member 202, 204 which are spaced apart by a spacer element 206.

[0030] The spacer element 206 extends from the first elongate member 202 to the second elongate member 204. In this way, the first elongate member 202 is maintained at a distance from the second elongate member 204 by the spacer element 206. In some examples, the apparatus 200 may have multiple spacer elements 206 (discussed in more detail with reference to figures 5 and 6).

[0031] The spacer element 206 may be a rigid member or a substantially rigid member. That is, in some examples, the spacer element 206 may have a small degree of flexibility to account for the movement of the water etc. The spacer element 206 may be formed of any suitable material, for example a metal, plastic, vulcanized rubber, mild steel (in some examples coated to resist corrosion), aluminium, glass reinforced plastic, fibreglass, wood, or recycled materials such as reformed ocean-recovered plastic waste. Aptly the material of the spacer element 206 is a corrosion resistant material.

[0032] The spacer element 206 maintains the position of the first and second elongate members 202, 204 with respect to one another. In this way, the first elongate member 202 may run substantially parallel to the second elongate member 204. In some examples the spacer element 206 may be perpendicular to one or both the first and second elongate members 202, 204.

[0033] The spacer element 206 may be positioned at any suitable point along the first and second elongate members 202, 204 respectively. Aptly, the spacer element 206 may be affixed substantially centrally on each of the first and second elongate member, such that the cultivation has an H shaped footprint.

[0034] The first and second elongate members 202, 204 may be of the same profile and length. That is, the first and second elongate members 202, 204 may be identical, or mirror images of one another.

[0035] In some examples, the spacer element may be affixed to the first elongate member 202 and or the second elongate member 204. For example, the spacer element 206 may be screwed, bolted, welded, glued (or any combination thereof) etc, to the first and second elongate members 202, 204. In some examples, the spacer element 206 may be integral with one or more of the elongate members 202, 204.

[0036] The elongate member(s) 202, 204 may be any suitable length, for example between 0.5m and 10m aptly between 1m and 5m and preferably 3m in length. The elongate member(s) 202, 204 may have a width of between 1 Omm and 500mm, aptly the width is between 30mm and 80mm and more aptly the width is 50mm. The elongate member(s) 202, 204 may have a height of between 10mm and 500mm, aptly the height is between 30mm and 80mm and more aptly the height is 50mm. The elongate member(s) 202, 204 may have a thickness of between 1mm and 50mm, aptly the thickness is between 3mm and 8mm and more aptly the height is 6mm. In some examples, the elongate members 202, 204 may have an L shaped cross section. That is the elongate members 202, 204 may include a protruding flange which creates a lip for other elements of the present invention to sit against. Although described together, it should be understood that the first elongate member 202 may have a different length, width, height, thickness and/ or cross section to the second elongate member 204.

[0037] A plurality of line segments 208 is included between the first elongate member 202 and the second elongate member 204. The line segments 208 may extend between the first and second elongate members 202, 204 at repeating intervals. In some examples these intervals may be substantially consistent. The line segments 208 may be substantially planar to the adjacent line segments 208.

[0038] The line segments 208 may be spaced between 1cm and 100cm apart, in other words between 1cm and 100cm between a first line segment 208a, and an adjacent line segment 208b. Aptly, the line segments may be between 3cm and 50cm apart and more aptly between 5cm and 30cm apart. By spacing the line segments 208 close together more area for a growth surface for the macroalgae can be provided on a single apparatus 200. However, it is preferable to leave some space between the line segments 208 such that plenty of nutrients and light can reach each line segment to propagate the macroalgae.

[0039] The spacer element 206 may maintain the first and second elongate members 202, 204 at a distance apart such that the plurality of line segments 208 are kept taut. The plurality of line segments 208 may be individual segments of line or continuous line, which is wound around the elongate members 202, 204 (described in more detail below).

[0040] The first elongate member 202 may be configured to receive the plurality of line segments 208. For example, the first elongate member 202 may include a plurality of cavities, notches, ridges or grooves or any combination thereof. An example elongate member 202 is illustrated by Figure 3. In Figure 3, the elongate member 202 includes a plurality of notches 310, although it should be understood any adaptation for receiving a line segment 208 or line may be used. These notches 310 define a space which is capable of receiving a portion of the line or line segment 208. In this way, the notches 310 help to maintain the position of the line on the elongate member 202.

[0041] The second elongate member 204 may also be configured to receive the plurality of line segments in the same manner as described above. That is, in some embodiments at least one elongate member 202, 204 may be adapted to receive the line or line segments 208. In some embodiments all elongate members 202, 204 may be adapted to receive the line or line segments 208.

[0042] The line or line segments may include at least one of rope, cord, fibrous material, or polymer material. The line segments provide a growth surface for macroalgae. For example, the line segments 208 may be infused with macroalgae. The infused macroalgae may be seeds or seedlings (such as sporophytes or gametophytes), and in some instances may not be visible to the naked eye.

[0043] The line segments 208 may be formed of a single line 414 an example of which is shown in figure 4. A single line 414 may reduce cost and the time compared to attaching multiple individual line segments. However, should the line become damaged it may be that the whole line must be replaced, instead of a single segment.

[0044] The line 414 may be wound around the first and second elongate members 202, 204 in any suitable manner. As shown in figure 4 the line 414 snakes around the first and second members 202, 204. In other words, the line 414 passes around the first elongate member 202 and around an outer side face 416 of the first elongate member 202 then to the second elongate member 204. The line 414 then passes around the second elongate member 204 in the same manner on the outer side face 418 of the second elongate member 204. In this example, the portion of the line 414 which winds around the outer side face 416, 418 of the elongate members 202, 204, is offset from the portion winding on the opposing elongate member 202, 204, such that the line has a substantially S-shaped path. In this example, the line 414 remains in a single plane. The path the line 414 takes may be governed by the cavities, notches, grooves, ridges described above. This helps to avoid the line bunching up and retain spacing between the lines.

[0045] Figure 5 illustrates an example where the line 414 has been wound in the manner as described with relation to figure 4. In this example, the line 414 passes through first and second elongate members 502, 504. The elongate members 502, 504 may therefore have cavities (not shown). In another example, the line 414 may be wound around the first and second elongate members 602, 604 as shown in figure 6.

[0046] In the example illustrated in figure 5 a cultivation apparatus 500 is shown which includes a first spacer element 506a and a second spacer element 506b. The first spacer element 506a extends from the end point 503a of the first elongate member 502 to an end point 505a of the second elongate member 504. In this example the spacer element 506a couples the end point 503a of the first elongate member 502 to the opposing end point 505a of the second elongate member 504.

[0047] In other examples (not shown) spacer elements may be included in addition to or as an alternative where the spacer element extends to a diagonally across the apparatus.

That is forming a cross shape across the apparatus. In this example, the lines may extend through the spacer element or wrap around the spacer element.

[0048] A second spacer 506b element may extend from the opposite end point 503b of the first elongate member 502 to the corresponding end point 505b of the second elongate member 504. That is, the first and second spacer elements 502, 504 may be parallel to one another. In this way the cultivation apparatus 500 may be a four-sided shape. The spacer elements 506a, 506b maintain the positions of the first and second elongate member 502, 504 with respect to one another. Additional spacer elements (not shown) could be included for additional strengthening.

[0049] It will be understood that the first and second elongate members 502, 504 may be of different lengths, to result in examples of trapezoid shaped cultivation apparatus. The cultivation apparatus may be any suitable shape dependent on the number of spacer elements 506. The shape of the cultivation apparatus may be adapted dependent on the placement, for example to fit in coral reef spaces etc. Aptly the cultivation apparatus 500 may be substantially square or rectangular with line segments 508 running parallel to the spacer element(s). In some examples the spacer element(s) 506 may be the same or similar length to the first and second elongate members 502, 504 such that the cultivation apparatus has a square footprint. This allows for maximised placement of multiple apparatuses over a sea area (see figure 9).

[0050] In some examples, the cultivation apparatus 500 may include a locking bar 520. The locking bar 520 may be configured to be affixed to at least one of the elongate members 502, 504 so as to hold the line segments in place. The cultivation apparatus 500 may include a further locking bar (not shown) configured to be affixed to the other elongate member.

[0051] The locking bar 520 may be configured to sit against an exterior side face of the elongate member. Where the exterior side is the side opposite to the side which the line segments extend from toward the other elongate member. In other examples, the locking bar 520 may be configured to sit on the top and or bottom faces of the elongate member 502, 504, this is shown in figure 7 for example.

[0052] The locking bar 520 may have a corresponding profile to the elongate members 502, 504. That is, the elongate members and the locking bar 520 may have substantially planar faces. In other examples if the elongate member comprises grooves for example, the locking bar 520 may comprise corresponding protrusions.

[0053] The locking bar(s) 520 may be configured to sandwich a portion of the line 414 between the elongate member 502,504 and the locking bar 520. This helps reduce movement of the line segments 508 during use and prevents total loss in the event of line breakage. In some examples, the locking bar 520 may extend the length of an elongate member 502, 504.

[0054] The locking bar(s) 520 may be screwed, bolted or otherwise affixed to the elongate member(s) 502, 504. In some examples, the locking bar(s) 520 may be releasably attached to the respective elongate member. This may allow for easy removal of the line segments 508 during harvesting for example.

[0055] The locking bar 520 may be of any suitable material for example a metal, plastic or vulcanized rubber mild steel On some examples coated to resist corrosion), aluminium, glass reinforced plastic, fibreglass, wood, or recycled materials such as reformed ocean-recovered plastic waste. Aptly the material of the locking bar 520 is a corrosion resistant material.

[0056] In some examples a resilient member 522 may be included between the elongate member 504 and the locking bar 520. From the exterior the order may be the locking bar 520, the resilient member 522, the line 414 then an elongate member 504.

[0057] The resilient member 522 may form a protective barrier for the line segments 508 to reduce wear of the lines etc. For example, the resilient member 522 may be a strip of deformable material that extends the length of the locking bar 520. The resilient member 522 may be integral with the locking bar 520.

[0058] The resilient member 522 may be deformable such that if the elongate member 504 includes protrusions, grooves etc the resilient member creates a fighter seal with the locking bar 520. Advantageously, the locking bar 520 may therefore be planer and still correspond to the respective elongate member 502, 504. In some examples, the resilient member 522 could be a rubber material for example.

[0059] The cultivation apparatus 500 may include a plurality of fixing elements 524. The fixing elements 524 may be positioned around the perimeter of the cultivation apparatus 500, so as to allow for additional equipment to be attached. In this example, the cultivation apparatus 500 includes a fixing element 524 at each end point 503, 505 of the first and second elongate members 502, 504. The fixing element 524 may be any suitable element. For example, the fixing element 524 may be a loop integral with the elongate members 502, 504 or locking bar. In some examples, the apparatus 500 may include fixing elements 524 on the top and bottom (where bottom is the side of the apparatus which would face the seabed in use), these fixing elements may be positioned at each corner for example.

[0060] Referring now to figure 6 a cultivation apparatus 600 similar to that shown in figure 5 is illustrated. Repeated features will not be described for brevity. In the example shown in figure 6 a line 614 is wrapped around the first elongate member 502 and second elongate member 504 such that line segments 608 are provided in multiple planes. That is, the line 614 is wound around both the first and second elongate members 502, 504. This results is a plurality of upper line segments 608a and lower line segments 608b. Where the upper and lower line segments 608a, 608b are spaced apart by a distance which is the height of the elongate members 502, 504. In this example, the height of the elongate members 502, 504 may be the same.

[0061] The upper line segments 608a may be offset from the lower line segments 608b.

In other examples, the upper and lower line segments 608a, 608b may be in line with one another. That is, when viewed from above the line segments upper line segments 608a stack atop the lower line segments 608b.

[0062] The cultivation apparatus 600 described in figure 6 may include a locking bar 520.

The locking bar 520 may be positioned as described in relation to figure 5. In other examples, a locking bar arrangement as shown in figure 7 may be included in the cultivation apparatus 600. The cultivation apparatus 600 may include a locking bar 720a affixed to an upper surface 726 of the elongate member 504. The cultivation apparatus 600 may further include a second locking bar 720b affixed to a lower surface 728 of the elongate member 504. In some examples the locking bars 720a, 720b may be integral, for example a C-shaped locking bar. As described above the locking bars may each include a resilient member 722.

[0063] Although not shown, both the first and second locking bars 502, 504 may have the locking bar arrangement of figure 7.

[0064] The locking bar arrangement may be attached to the elongate members 502, 504 in any suitable way, such as bolts, screws etc. [0065] Looking now to figure 8 an example system 850 for cultivating macroalgae 860 is illustrated. In use, the system 850 is positioned so the system 850 is at least partially submerged below a sea surface 852. The system 850 includes a cultivation apparatus 800. The cultivation apparatus 800 may be any cultivation apparatus as described above. In this example, the cultivation apparatus 800 is completely submerged. The system 850 may be oriented such that the apparatus 800 is substantially parallel with a seabed 858.

[0066] The system 850 further includes a buoyancy element 854. The buoyancy element 854 may be any buoyancy element, for example a buoy. The system also includes an anchor 856 which tethers the system 850 to a seabed 858. The buoyancy element 854 and anchor 856 may be coupled to the cultivation apparatus 800. For example, the buoyancy element 854 and anchor 856 may be attached to the cultivation apparatus 800 via ropes, chains etc. [0067] The system 850 may include one or more couplers 865a, 865b. The couplers 865 may be configured to couple the apparatus 800 with the anchor 856 and or the buoy 854. The couplers 865a, 865b may be attached to the apparatus 800 via attachment links 863 these may be ropes, chains etc. In this example the attachment links 863 attach to one of the couplers 865a, 865b and the apparatus 800, for example via a fixing element 524 (described above).

[0068] In this example, the system 850 includes an upper coupler 865a and a lower coupler 865b (of course examples including multiple couplers or just a singular coupler are envisaged). The upper coupler 865a may be positioned closed to the buoyancy element 854 than the lower coupler 865b, whereas the lower coupler 865b may be positioned closer to the anchor 856 than the upper coupler 865a. In this example the upper coupler 865a is connected to the buoyancy element 854, for example via a rope.

[0069] In this example, the system 850 includes a ground line 869 and a mooring line 868.

The ground line 869 and mooring line 868 attach to the anchor 856 to couple the apparatus and anchor 856 together. In this example, the ground line 869 is configured to predominantly lay on the seabed 858 and the mooring line 868 is configured to link between the ground line 869 and the apparatus 800.

[0070] The ground line 869 and mooring line 868 may be of sufficient length that they are substantially slack in use to allow for movements with wave swell. This is dependent on water depth, for example in 30 metres of water the combined length of the mooring line 868 and ground line 869 may be 60 metres. From 40 metres of mooring line 868 and 20 metres of ground line 869 for example. In other words, the length of the mooring line 868 and the ground line 869 may be greater than the water depth. In some examples the length of the mooring line 868 and the ground line 869 may be at least double the water depth.

[0071] The ground line 869 may be a hard wearing line such as chain or thick rope which has reduced wear when laying on the sea bed 858. The mooring line 868 may be a lighter and or thinner line than the ground line 869, because in use it is not generally subject to wear from lying on the seabed 858. In some examples the ground line 869 and mooring line 868 may be integral such as one continuous line.

[0072] The mooring line 868 and ground line 869 may connect to the lower coupler 865b such that the anchor is coupled to the apparatus 800 via the lower coupler 865b.

[0073] The couplers 865a, 865b may be any suitable means of connection. In this example, the couplers 865a, 865b each include a ring 864 and a shackle 866. The shackle 866 is positioned between the ring 864 and the apparatus 800. In other words, the shackle 866 is radially inward of the ring 864.

[0074] The ring 864 may form an attachment point for the attachment links 863. The shackle 866 is configured to have a tether 867 which extends therethrough. The tether 867 may extend between the upper coupler 865a and the lower coupler 865b. The tether 867 may extend through the apparatus 800 without direct coupling. That is, the tether 867 may pass through a gap between two adjacent line segments for example. The tether 867 may be taut between the couplers 865a, 865b.The tether 867 may be a rope or chain for example. In this way, the attachment links 863 and ring 864 allow the apparatus 800 some rotational freedom.

[0075] The buoyancy of the buoyancy element 854 may counteract the downward force of the anchor (and weight of the cultivation apparatus itself) such that the cultivation apparatus 800 is at least partially submerged. This counteraction may occur via the tether 867 and couplers 865a 865b. That is an upward force from the buoyancy element 854 (e.g., a wave) would pull the shackle 866 of the upper coupler 865a upwards. This force would then be transmitted down the tether 867 to the lower coupler 865b, where the anchor in turn would counteract with a pull downwards on the shackle 866 of the lower coupler 865b. This counterbalancing of the anchor and buoy allow for maintenance of the system. With some slack in the mooring line 868 and or ground line 869 to avoid high tension on the tether 867 causing breakage.

[0076] The positioning and lengths of the attachment links may be such that the apparatus 800 is maintained substantially parallel to the seabed 858 in use (allowing for movement due to waves etc). The attachment links 863 may be attached to the apparatus at corner points for example.

[0077] The cultivation apparatus 800 may be maintained using buoyancy at a depth of between 0.1m and 10m, aptly 0.5m to 5m. This depth may be optimized depending on various parameters of the water.

[0078] The anchor may be any suitable weight and or type. Aptly the anchor 856 is a chain anchor. Advantageously, a chain anchor can act as an anchor in any direction regardless of tide direction or currents.

[0079] Advantageously the system 850 is modular. That is, it is unaffected by any other adjacent systems. Looking to figure 9 an example farm 970 is illustrated over an area 972 of sea.

[0080] A macroalgae farm may have any suitable number of systems 850 spaced about an area 972. The systems 850 may be spaced apart such that a vessel 974 can move between adjacent systems 850 without affecting the systems 850. The spacing of the systems is therefore dependent on the manoeuvrability of the vessel. In this example, the systems 850 are between 10m and 50m apart, however any suitable distance can be used.

[0081] The modular system 850 allows for mass production of macroalgae in a reduced area compared to traditional rope farms. In addition, rough conditions are less likely to cause adjacent systems 850 to interact and tangle when compared to adjacent ropes in the same conditions. The system 850 is also easier to place in the area 972 of sea, and the system 850 is far easier than long rope systems to remove from the sea using the vessel 974.

[0082] Although not described above, various modifications of the apparatus, system and farm are anticipated. For example, each line segment may be distinct from adjacent segments and attached individually to the elongate members. That is, each line segment may be extended between the first and second elongate members and affixed to each one, without connection to the adjacent line segments. For example, each line segment may be tied around the elongate members.

[0083] Some example apparatuses may comprise two elongate members angled with respect to one another, e.g., in a V-shape. The apparatus may comprise a spacer element (for example to form a triangle) or other mechanism for maintaining the position of the elongate members with respect to one another, including but not limited to a bolting mechanism, a weld, a spring etc [0084] Some examples may include additional fixing of the line to the elongate member, for example a double loop around the elongate member, such that each line segment has additional fixing mechanisms.

[0085] Although described above as one complete unit, the spacer element may be any suitable means or mechanism which helps to maintain the positioning of the elongate members with respect to one another.

[0086] Throughout this specification, the words "comprise" and "contain" and variations of them mean "including but not limited to", and they are not intended to (and do not) exclude other components, integers or steps. Throughout this specification, the singular encompasses the plural unless the context otherwise requires. In particular, where the indefinite article is used, the specification is to be understood as contemplating plurality as well as singularity, unless the context requires otherwise.

[0087] Features, integers or characteristics described in conjunction with a particular aspect or example of the invention are to be understood to be applicable to any other aspect or example described herein unless incompatible therewith. All of the features disclosed in this specification, and/or all of the steps of any method or process so disclosed, may be combined in any combination, except combinations where at least some of such features and/or steps are mutually exclusive. The invention is not restricted to the details of any foregoing examples. The invention extends to any novel feature or combination of features disclosed in this specification. It will also be appreciated that, throughout this specification, language in the general form of "X for Y" (where Y is some action, activity or step and X is some means for carrying out that action, activity or step) encompasses means X adapted or arranged specifically, but not exclusively, to do Y. [0088] Each feature disclosed in this specification may be replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent or similar purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is one example only of a generic series of equivalent or similar features.

[0089] The reader's attention is directed to all papers and documents which are filed concurrently with or previous to this specification in connection with this application and which are open to public inspection with this specification, and the contents of all such papers and documents are incorporated herein by reference.

Claims

CLAIMS: 1. An apparatus for cultivating macroalgae, the apparatus comprising: a first elongate member; S at least one spacer element extending from the first elongate member to a second elongate member such that the first and second elongate members are maintained spaced apart; a plurality of line segments configured to provide a growth surface for macroalgae, wherein the line segments extend between the first elongate member and second elongate member.
2. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the line sections comprise a continuous line wound around the first and second elongate members.
3. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein at least one of the first or second elongate members comprise a plurality of cavities, notches, ridges or grooves configured to receive the plurality of line segments such that the line segments are maintained spaced apart.
4. The apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, further comprising one or more locking bars, wherein the one or more locking bars is configured to be affixed to the first elongate member such that the line is sandwiched between the first elongate member and at least one locking bar.
5. The apparatus as claimed in claim 4, wherein the one or more locking bars comprise a resilient strip positioned to contact the line.
6. The apparatus as claimed in claim 4 or 5, further comprising one or more locking bars configured to be affixed to the second elongate member such that the line is sandwiched between the second elongate member and at least one locking bar.
7. The apparatus as claimed in any of claims 2 to 6, wherein the line is wound at least times such that the apparatus comprises at least 5 line segments.
8. The apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, further comprising a second spacer element extending from the first elongate member to the second elongate member, wherein the first spacer element and the second spacer element are affixed respectively proximal a first end and a second end of each of the elongate members.
9. The apparatus as claimed in claim 8, wherein the first and second spacer elements are affixed to the elongate members with two or more fixing elements at each of the first and second ends of the elongate members.
10. The apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the apparatus comprises a plurality of attachment points.
11. The apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the line or line segments comprises at least one of rope, cord, fibrous material, or polymer material.
12. The apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the line or line segments are infused with macroalgae.
13. A system for cultivating macroalgae comprising: an apparatus configured to receive a plurality of line segments extending between a first elongate member and a second elongate member, wherein the apparatus comprises at least one spacer element extending from the first elongate member to the second elongate member such that first and second elongate members are maintained spaced apart; an anchor coupled to the apparatus, and at least one buoyancy element coupled to the apparatus.
14. The system as claimed in claim 12, wherein the anchor and the at least one buoyancy element cooperate to maintain the apparatus at least partially submerged when the system is placed in the sea in use.
15. The system as claimed in claim 14, wherein the system further comprises at least one coupler configured to couple the cultivation apparatus, anchor and at least one buoyancy element and facilitate the cooperation between the at least one buoyancy element and anchor.
16. The system as claimed in claim 14 or 15, wherein the at least one buoyancy element and the anchor cooperate to further maintain the apparatus in a horizontal plane with respect to a seabed in use
17. A macroalgae farm comprising a plurality of systems as claimed in claim 12, wherein the systems are interspaced across an area of water.